Sharing and Caring? The Role of Social Media and Privacy in Sexting Behaviour

Abstract

In this introductory chapter, we explore the debate surrounding intimate self-disclosures through social media. Discussions concerning sexting and sexting related incidents are associated with social media affordances. In particular, we investigate how digital media content’s persistence, visibility, spreadability and searchability are linked to challenges that individuals may face when sexting. Next, we examine how sexting behaviours can be understood through the lens of online disinhibition, as this may lower thresholds for intimate forms of communication. Finally, once a sexting message is sent, it involves individuals who share (or do not share) the same objectives and values concerning the intimate information they co-own. The Communication Privacy Management theory provides a framework to understand sexting as a shared responsibility. TS - CrossRef